Senators Host Devils in What is Sure to be a Special Game
Tonight’s game will be a meaningful one.
Following the postponement of the Leafs and Sens game after the tragic events that unfolded in our nation’s capital on Wednesday, this, along with an Ottawa Redblacks home game will mark the return of sports to a stunned city in mourning.
But it also marks the return of many other things.
When the Ottawa Senators play the New Jersey Devils it will mark the return of some semblance of normalcy to a city and it’s people that together have suffered a collective loss.
Most importantly though, it marks the chance for opportunity.
An opportunity for the citizens of one of Canada’s greatest cities to heal, together.
An opportunity to come together when some seek to scatter us.
An opportunity to show that we will respond to acts of cowardice with acts of bravery and compassion.
An opportunity to commemorate and honour the selfless and courageous men and women that protect us, allowing Ottawa to be the city we know and love.
In an act of solidarity The Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens have arranged a coordinated tribute to honour those who have fallen in recent weeks, and as well those who bravely fought through Wednesday’s chaos to restore order and safety to our city.
Ottawa: 4-1-0
New Jersey: 3-2-2
7:00pm
Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa
TV: Sportsnet 1, Radio: TSN 1200, Streaming on Gamecenter GamePlus
Matchup History
This is the first meeting of the 2014-15 season between the two clubs. Last season the Sens and Devils met three times, with each team taking a game 5-2 in their home rink. The Senators ultimately came out on top of the season series, winning the last game 2-1 in the shootout.
Last Games
With Wednesday’s game postponed the Sens remain unbeaten in four, looking to make it five. Their last game came on Saturday, a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, so it’s been a full week since the Senators have played a game.
The Devils played just last night against Jason Spezza and the Dallas Stars, losing the game by a score of 3-2 by way of the shootout. This is New Jersey’s fourth straight loss, and second consecutive shootout loss, extending their shootout losing streak to an improbable 18 games. Hopefully the Sens can take advantage of their misfortune and pull out a win (which seems almost guaranteed if the game goes to a shootout).
Players to Watch
Erik Karlsson — With this being such a momentous game it certainly will be interesting to see how the team reacts, but especially it’s captain Erik Karlsson. It might seem redundant to say to look for a big game from him, but nonetheless this is always the case with King Karl.
Mike Cammalleri — Cammalleri has 5 goals and 7 points in 6 games so the Senators are going to be in tough to try and keep him at bay.
3 Story-lines for the Game
O Canada — it’s going to be an emotional game, and I for one and going to be looking forward to a rousing rendition of O Canada and to hear the fans belting it as loud as they can.
Drive for Five — with the fans and the city behind them it’s hopeful that the Sens can extend their winning streak to five games
Sitting Again — before Wednesday’s game coach Maclean had indicated that Jared Cowen would sit again. This will likely hold true for tonight’s game as well and has to make one wonder: when will Cowen play again?